Since it appeared and stunned the world with its good looks and technical specifications, the XC90 is still one of the most stylish luxury SUVs.

Its engine has improved a lot and its performance, like in the 2020 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD we reviewed, is excellent; you will really enjoy the drive – and remember this is while you can haul seven people and conquer the most extreme terrain and climatic conditions.

Inside, buyers will find a cabin that personifies Scandinavian clean design and luxury, highlighted by fine materials such as nappa leather, real wood trim, and tasteful chrome accents. A large central infotainment touchscreen provides intuitive and practical control of the XC90’s systems and settings, augmented by the 12.3-inch screen behind the wheel. As with all Volvos, the 2020 XC90 focuses on safety as much as on luxury and performance, and many technological features are standard, some indeed pioneered by Volvo such as City Safety.

XC90 Inscription interior

In the cabin, you’ll love the sense of space and interior space is an area where the XC90 excels. Surprisingly, on the outside, it’s more compact than some brands — all the better for driving and manoeuvrability — but it is larger on the inside when it comes to legroom and headroom; the glass area is large and gives wonderful panoramic visibility.

The interior of the Inscription is not only spacious, it has expensive-looking (and feeling!) materials and fabrics that you want to touch. Volvo is recognised as a world-leader when it comes to seats – among other things — and in the XC90 driver and passengers feel both very comfortable and also very supported! The cabin has genuine walnut wood trim and soft, brown Nappa leather everywhere and drilled-metal stereo speaker grilles.

The clean and simple dashboard design with its large iPad-like central touchscreen have elegant lines, and again everything is pleasant to the touch. Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system, which controls everything on the sharp nine-inch touchscreen, puts out astounding sound from the premium Bowers & Wilkins Hi-Fi system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The open-grain wood reminds you of real nature, the dials and buttons provide satisfying clicks, and the supportive leather seats make sitting in traffic a scene of relaxation, not frustration.

The XC90 has lovely driving dynamics and with the twin-charged T6 AWD powertrain delivering lots of horsepower and torque you’ll never want for power. The driving experience is in my opinion just right. The steering is light, parking is easy and the handling balance is perfectly competent for streets, highways and such challenges as busy interchanges. With the various safety systems providing a watchful eye, and great visibility out of the big windows, day-to-day commuting is so clam and reassuring with the XC90.

The XC90 now comes standard with more ‘Intellisafe’ safety technology as well, including automatic pre-collision warning and braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving technology with adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, parking sensors, self-parking, lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring.

XC90 Inscription 2

ENGINE Two-litre T6 supercharged and turbocharged DOHC, 16 valves, variable valve timing.

MAX POWER 320 hp (235kW) @ 5,700.

MAX TORQUE 400 Nm/295 lb-ft from 2,200 rpm.

ACCELERATION 0 – 100 kph in 6.3 secs.

DRIVELINE Geartronic 8-speed shiftable smooth automatic with responsive All-Wheel-Drive (AWD).

EXTERIOR The impression created by this handsome, tough-looking Swede was totally impressive and achieved without gimmicks or weird styling. The new XC90 is a straight guy with just a hint of sleek fashion in the slightly sloping bonnet and flared rear fenders; the grille is bold and honest, and the ’Thor’s Hammer’ distinctive LED daytime running lights remind us that smooth and handsome Scandinavian features can also mask legendary Scandinavian power.

INTERIOR Beautifully detailed, top quality leather and wood trim give the XC90 unmatchable elegance; distinctively Volvo style, with more room than anybody else, and a sense of calm reassurance; beautiful dashboard and excellent centre screen, as large as an iPad, proclaim the modern era where car and phone are seamlessly interconnected; fabulous Bowers & Wilkins Hi-Fi; CleanZone emphasises clean environment aims.

SAFETY/SECURITY If you believe in safety, you’ve come to the right place. Volvo continues to introduce ‘World First’ safety features adding to the industry-leading visionary technologies preventing accidents and protecting all those involved; check it out at the showroom on Khalifa Street.

The impressive Volvo XC90 is available with a range of trim and options from the introductory Momentum, the sporty R-Design to the luxurious, deluxe Inscription like the T6 AWD we reviewed.

WHERE CAN I SEE IT

Khalifa Street is where you can get get to know all about the new XC90  in all its versions. The friendly and informative staff will be happy to arrange a test drive of the new Volvo XC90 or introduce you to any of its stylish cars and SUVs.

Just call 4424 6860 or visit the official Volvo website.


Author: Terry Sutcliffe

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